When you think of Italian wedding cake, imagine a slice of heaven that dances on your taste buds. This delightful dessert features layers of moist almond-flavored cake, sweetened with a hint of vanilla and enveloped in rich buttercream frosting. Each bite transports you to a sun-drenched Italian piazza, where laughter and joy fill the air like the scent of fresh-baked pastries.
The first time I made Italian wedding cake, my family thought I had outdone myself. The way they devoured it, you’d think I had just won the lottery. It’s perfect for weddings, birthdays, or any occasion that calls for a touch of sweetness and celebration. Trust me; your taste buds will thank you for this flavor adventure.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Italian wedding cake is surprisingly easy to prepare while still impressing your guests
- Its rich almond flavor and creamy frosting make it irresistibly delicious
- The stunning layers look gorgeous on any dessert table
- Perfect for celebrations or simply indulging yourself on a cozy night in
I once served this cake at a family reunion, and let me tell you, the compliments were flowing faster than the wine!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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All-Purpose Flour: A staple in many recipes; ensure it’s sifted for a lighter texture in your cake.
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Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness; feel free to adjust based on your preference.
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Baking Powder: Essential for leavening; check the expiration date for best results.
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Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors beautifully.
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Unsalted Butter: Use room temperature butter for easy mixing and maximum creaminess.
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Eggs: Fresh eggs are crucial; they help bind everything together and add richness.
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Almond Extract: This ingredient is key to achieving that classic Italian flavor profile.
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Vanilla Extract: A complementary flavor that rounds out the sweetness perfectly.
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Milk: Whole milk adds moisture; it’s essential for achieving that dreamy texture.
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Powdered Sugar: For making the frosting super smooth and sweet without any grittiness.
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Cream Cheese: Adds tanginess to the frosting and balances out the sweetness beautifully.
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Sliced Almonds (optional): For garnish; they add a crunchy texture and visual appeal to your cake.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans with nonstick cooking spray, ensuring even baking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk together until well incorporated and set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, cream together unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer.
Add Eggs and Extracts: Beat in eggs one at a time, ensuring each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in almond extract and vanilla extract for that signature flavor.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture while alternating with milk. Mix until just combined—overmixing can lead to a dense cake!
Bake Your Cakes: Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Create Your Frosting: While cakes cool, beat powdered sugar and cream cheese together until smooth. Add in softened butter and continue mixing until fluffy—this should take about 5 minutes.
Strongly suggest using an offset spatula when frosting your cooled cakes; it makes spreading much easier!
Once done with these steps, you will have a beautiful Italian wedding cake ready to impress!
You Must Know
- This delightful Italian wedding cake is not just a dessert; it’s a celebration in every bite
- The layers of moist cake and rich fillings create an irresistible treat that dazzles both the eyes and the taste buds
- Perfect for weddings but also great for casual gatherings
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by baking the cake layers first, allowing them to cool while you prepare the filling and frosting. This sequence saves time and ensures everything is ready for assembly.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize flavors! Swap almond extract for vanilla or add fresh fruit to the filling for a twist. Each variation adds your unique flair.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate it, ensuring it stays deliciously moist.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor; fresh eggs and real butter make a world of difference
- Ensure your cake layers cool completely before frosting to avoid melting
- A serrated knife helps create even, beautiful layers, making assembly easier
Creating this Italian wedding cake reminds me of my cousin’s wedding—everyone raved about how heavenly it tasted, and I felt like a superstar baker that day!
FAQ
What is Italian wedding cake made of?
Italian wedding cake typically consists of layers of almond-flavored cake filled with fruit and nuts.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the layers ahead; just wrap them tightly and refrigerate until needed.
How do I keep my cake from drying out?
To keep your cake moist, brush each layer with simple syrup before adding filling and frosting.
Italian Wedding Cake
Italian wedding cake is a delightful celebration dessert featuring layers of moist almond-flavored cake, rich buttercream frosting, and an irresistible sweetness that will transport your taste buds to Italy. Perfect for weddings, birthdays, or any festive occasion, this stunning cake is sure to impress your guests and make every moment special.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp almond extract
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- Sliced almonds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt; whisk well.
- In another bowl, cream butter and granulated sugar until fluffy (about 3-5 minutes).
- Beat in eggs one at a time; then mix in almond and vanilla extracts.
- Gradually add dry ingredients alternately with milk until just combined.
- Divide batter between pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- For the frosting, beat together powdered sugar and cream cheese until smooth, then add softened butter until fluffy.
- Frost cooled cake layers as desired and garnish with sliced almonds if using.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
